“He’s got a comb of his own.  I wish you would buy me one, father,” said Jerry.

“Don’t stand there talking—­go and comb your hair,” said Mr. Preston, somewhat sharply.

To tell the truth, Jerry did need a lesson in neatness; and in this respect, Oscar was a very good model for him to imitate.  Having reduced his snarly locks to something like order and smoothness, Jerry took his seat at the table, much improved in appearance.

“You ’ll have a chance to go about some to-day, Oscar,” said Mr. Preston; “it’s about twenty-five degrees warmer than it was yesterday.”

“Father,” said Jerry, “I and Oscar—­”

“I and Oscar—­where did you learn your manners?” interrupted his mother.

Jerry was for a moment in doubt whether to be offended or not at this second unexpected lesson in good-breeding; but he finally concluded to make the best of it, and went on with his story: 

“Oscar and I, then—­were going over to the pond this forenoon, and I guess it will be warm enough for us to go into water.  Should n’t you think it would?”

“No, indeed,” replied Mr. Preston, “you mustn’t think of such a thing.  It’s only the first of June, and you ought not to go into water for two or three weeks yet.  Besides, Oscar ’s an invalid, and I should n’t like to have him go in, even if it was warm enough for you.  I would n’t walk about much, either, at first,” he continued, addressing Oscar.  “You ’re weak, and must look out, and not overdo yourself.  This afternoon, when the horse is at leisure, Jerry shall give you a ride; so you had better not go far this forenoon.”

The river of which Jerry spoke is a small stream that has its source in the lake Oscar saw from the chamber window.  It flows in a south-westerly direction, crossing the road on which Mr. Preston lived, not far from his house.  A small bridge is thrown over the river at this point.  After breakfast, Jerry and Oscar walked down to this bridge, and then, leaving the road, followed the river through the fields and woods, to its fountain-head.  Here they found a beautiful sheet of water, more than half a mile across, in one direction, with an irregular shore, fringed most of the way with woods.  A two-masted sail-boat was riding at anchor, a little off from the shore, which Oscar regarded with wishful eye; but as it did not belong to Mr. Preston, and they could not reach it without going into the water, it was of no use to think of taking a sail.  They now walked along the edge of the pond, some distance, and after wandering some time in the woods, they returned home by a circuitous route.

The annexed map of Brookdale will show the location of the pond, river, &c.  Jerry lived in the house numbered 2.

[Illustration:  Map of Brookdale.]

Oscar and Jerry spent the rest of the forenoon in the barn and wood-shed, and in the fields immediately around the house.  After dinner, Mr. Preston told the boys they could have the horse and wagon, and as the family wanted some groceries, they might ride over to the store and get them.  They accordingly tackled up the team, and were soon on their way.